October 9th-11th, 2024

Anaheim Convention Center | Anaheim, CA

Join the World’s Leading Advocates on

World Mental Health Day 2024!

  • Glennon Doyle

    Author, Activist, Founder of Together Rising, and Host of the We Can Do Hard Things Podcast

    Glennon Doyle is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller UNTAMED, a Reese’s Book Club selection, which has sold over two million copies. She is also the author of GET UNTAMED: The Journal; the #1 New York Times bestseller LOVE WARRIOR, an Oprah’s Book Club selection; and CARRY ON, WARRIOR.

  • Patrick J. Kennedy

    Former U.S. Representative (D-RI) and Founder of The Kennedy Forum

    During his time in Congress, Patrick J. Kennedy was the lead author of the landmark Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (Federal Parity Law), which requires insurers to cover treatment for mental health and substance use disorders no more restrictively than treatment for illnesses of the body, such as diabetes and cancer. In 2013, he founded The Kennedy Forum, a nonprofit that unites advocates, business leaders, and government agencies to advance evidence-based practices, policies, and programming in mental health and addiction.

  • Dr. Diana E. Ramos

    California Surgeon General

    Dr. Diana E. Ramos is a renowned public health leader and California’s second Surgeon General and first Latina Surgeon General. As California’s Doctor, she is the leading spokesperson on the most pressing public health issues of the time within the State of California. Her mission is to advance the health and wellbeing of all Californians.

  • Alberto M. Carvalho

    Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District

  • Fareedah Shaheed (CyberFareedah)

    Award-Winning Internet Safety Expert & Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree

  • Marlon Morgan

    Founder & CEO of Wellness Together, Inc. and Host of “This Helps” Podcast

  • Jack McBrayer

    Jack McBrayer

    Comedian & Actor on 30 Rock, Hello Jack!, Wreck it Ralph, and more!

  • Dr. Louise Hayes

    International Speaker, Clinical Psychologist, Author, & Adjunct Sr. Research Fellow at La Trobe University

  • Joe Toscano

    Award-Winning Designer, Published Author, & International Keynote

  • Dr. Renee Schneider

    Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Lead in the Mental Health Center of Excellence at Google

  • Drew Robinson

    Former Major League Baseball Player & Mental Health Advocate

Read More

Session Highlights

  • LIVE Recording of "This Helps"

    Join "This Helps" Podcast Host, Marlon Morgan, for a special LIVE recording event as he sits down with former U.S. Representative (D-RI) and Founder of The Kennedy Forum, Patrick J. Kennedy. Don't miss this opportunity to hear firsthand from a leading advocate for mental health and policy change, as they discuss critical issues and share inspiring stories.

  • CYBHI: A Blueprint for Transforming Student Wellness

    Join Dr. Sohil Sud, Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) Director, along with other CYBHI experts:

    • Lee Angela Reid - Capital Advisors Group

    • Alex Briscoe - California Children's Trust

    • Autumn Boylan - California Department of Health Care Services

    • Dr. Chris Williams - Sacramento County Office of Education

    • Dr. Loretta Whitson - California Association of School Counselors

    • Nicole DeWitt - San Diego Unified School District

    • Marlon Morgan - Wellness Together, Inc.

    Gain invaluable insights from these industry experts on how CYBHI is transforming mental health services in schools.

  • Cell Phone Bans & Student Mental Health

    Hear from this diverse panel of experts from the fields of technology, medicine, psychology, and education as they discuss the far-reaching impacts of school-wide cell phone bans.

    • Rob Bonta - Attorney General, California Department of Justice

    • Dr. Smita Malhotra - Chief Medical Officer, Los Angeles Unified School District

    • Joe Toscano - Author of Automating Humanity & Founder, DataGrade

    • Fareedah Shaheed - Internet Safety Expert & Forbes 30 Under 30

    • David Bond, LCSW - Enterprise Behavioral Health Dir., Blue Shield of California

  • School-Based Mental Health ECHO Session

    Join members of the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing team alongside school-based rural and Indigenous mental health leaders to learn more about strength-based, inclusive approaches to student engagement in rural school settings across California.

    A reception featuring light refreshments and beverages will follow the session.

    Please RSVP separately HERE.

  • Flexible Strength: The DNA-V Framework for Wellbeing, Achievement and Connection

    Dr. Louise Hayes, an author, international speaker, and clinical psychologist from Australia, will keynote and lead a focused session on DNA-V, a specific application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and positive psychology.

    Continuing education credits are offered for in-person attendance!

  • The Power of Data: 20 Years of Research on Increasing Well-Being, Deepening Engagement, & Enhancing Belonging in Schools

    School and district leaders are invited to this 2-hour deep dive into the impact of student voice on school improvement and data-driven insights on how to enhance school climate and culture.

    Challenge Success, a nonprofit affiliated with the Stanford Graduate School of Education, will showcase how student-centered, community-driven, and evidence-based, approaches at the systems of level can foster well-being, belonging, and deeper engagement in K-12 schools.

  • Trauma-Informed Assessment with Children & Adolescents

    Trauma-informed assessment is important when working with individuals of all ages, in any setting, and regardless of the referral question. While not all individuals will need trauma-focused services, missing those that do can lead to long-term negative consequences.

    This workshop will focus on understanding and identifying trauma-related symptoms in children and adolescents and provide a brief overview of recommended assessment tools and interview questions. Tips for developing a trauma-informed case conceptualization will be provided. Trauma-informed assessment strategies help ensure the youth we are working with are provided with the treatments needed in order to support their healing process.

  • Explore 100+ breakouts that will equip and inspire you to support the mental health needs of your students & families.

View All Sessions

What to Expect in 2024

3-Day Event

Enjoy an elevated attendee experience focused on unifying and leading the school mental health movement. Expect to cultivate connections, learn from experts, gain valuable tools, and HAVE FUN!

100+ Breakouts

Gain valuable skills, receive actionable resources for your school community, and earn continuing education credits for in-person attendees. Topics include tech/AI and mental health, social-emotional learning, employee wellness, mental health public policy, and more.

Inspiring Keynotes

Hear motivational and thought-provoking messages from some of today’s top experts on mental health, education, policy, and technology. Be inspired by the stories of Glennon Doyle, Jack McBrayer, Chris Gethard, and more!

Laughing Together Comedy Show

Immerse yourself in a night of laughter and self-care at our Laughing Together Comedy Night. Join professional comedians for this one-of-a-kind show that is FREE to conference attendees. You don't want to miss this!

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Why attend SMWC?

Professional Development Boost

Attendees gain access to inspiring main sessions, workshops, and intensive training led by leaders in education and mental health. Elevating your professional development isn’t just a step forward—it’s a leap toward excellence. Your job performance becomes a beacon of positive impact for students and clients alike.

Team Collaboration and Bonding

Encourage team attendance to foster collaboration and team bonding. Strengthen team relationships, and enhance workplace morale, productivity, and collective problem-solving capabilities. Teams return to work with a renewed sense of purpose, increased motivation, and a shared vision, resulting in improved performance and outcomes.

Incorporation of the Latest Research

Attendees receive insights into the latest research and practical tools in the mental health and education fields. Elevate your work through insights that spark excitement and transform how you serve your community.

Gain Applicable Skills

Grow your professional toolkit and drive positive change! Attendees gain skills and knowledge that they can apply immediately. Instantly improve the quality of your work and services through newfound inspiration, skills, and information.

The world’s largest Student Mental Health Conference, connecting school leaders, policymakers, and mental health providers around the world to unify and lead the global student mental health movement.

Download the SMWC8 app for the BEST conference experience!

The SMWC8 App provides:

  • Access to full conference schedule

  • Connection with sponsors & exhibitors

  • Presentation slides & resources

  • Session feedback forms

DAY 2 OF SMWC!

•

DAY 2 OF SMWC! •

Laughing Together Comedy Show at the 8th Annual Wellness Together Conference | October 10, 2024

Anaheim Convention Center | Anaheim, CA

Hall C, 3rd Floor

DOORS: 6PM | SHOW: 7PM

Laughing Together presents an evening of comedy with a fantastic lineup of nationally known headliners. Laughing Together Comedy shows are an unforgettable way to raise awareness and funds for student mental health initiatives. This special event is hosted during the 8th Annual Wellness Together Student Mental Wellness Conference.

Tickets to the Laughing Together Comedy Show are included in conference registration.

Featured Comedians:

  • Chris Gethard

    Comedian, Actor, Author, and Host of the Beautiful/Anonymous Podcast

  • Chloé Hilliard

    Comedian, TV Writer, and Award-Winning Author

  • Jordan Temple

    NY-Based Comedian, Playwright, Writer, Actor

  • Carmen Christopher

    LA-Based Comedian, Actor, and Writer

Experience the conference like never before!

Attend

Experience SMWC like never before. Click below to register for and learn more about the event.

Exhibit/Sponsor

Invest in the student mental health movement. Grow your brand and make a lasting impact. Click below to view our sponsorship/exhibiting opportunities.

Present

Share your insights, research, and ideas at SMWC. Click below to submit your proposal.

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Event Schedule

Wednesday, October 9th, 2024

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Registration

Main Session

Breakouts

Thursday, October 10th, 2024

7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Breakouts

Main Session

Networking

Exhibit Hall

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Laughing Together Comedy Show

Friday, October 11th, 2024

7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Breakouts

Main Session

Networking

Exhibit Hall

Conference Exhibitors

 FAQs

  • Anaheim Convention Center

    800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802

    VENUE

    SMWC will take place on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Anaheim Convention Center. Click here to view the map.

    PARKING

    Parking is available at the Anaheim Convention Center for $20-$30 daily. For more information on parking, click here.

  • HOTEL RESERVATIONS

    A limited number of rooms are secured for SMWC at the Hilton Anaheim and Doubletree Anaheim. Click below to view availability:

    Hilton Anaheim

    Doubletree Anaheim

  • There are a select number of breakouts available at the in-person event offering CEs. Wellness Together is a CAMFT-approved provider of CE courses. The CE courses offered during the conference meet the requirements for CEs for LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs, and LEPs licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

    A CE certificate will be awarded at no additional cost to registered attendees present for the entirety of the CE-eligible course. Completion of the course quiz and evaluation are required to obtain a CE. No refunds will be provided.

    NOTE: Not all conference sessions are CE courses. For additional questions, please email CEU@wellnesstogether.org.

  • Interested in Exhibiting or Sponsoring SMWC? View partnership opportunities HERE. For additional questions, please email conference@wellnesstogether.org.

Have additional questions?

Don’t miss the 8th Annual Wellness Together Student Mental Wellness Conference and Comedy Night!

Previous Speakers at Wellness Together Events

  • Dr. John B. King

    U.S Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama

  • Dr. Atul Nakhasi

    Senior Advisory, Office of the U.S Surgeon General

  • Dr. Dan Siegel

    5-Time NYT Best-Selling Author & Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine

  • Dr. Jean Twenge

    Professor of Psychology at SDSU & Author of more than 140 scientific publications

  • Dr. Nadine Burke Harris

    First California Surgeon General

  • Angie Thomas

    NYT Best-Selling Author The Hate U Give

  • Tony Hale

    Two-Time Emmy Award Winning Actor

  • Dr. Daniel Amen

    8-Time NYT Best-Selling Author & Founder of The Amen Clinics

  • Tristan Harris

    Co-Founder & President of The Center for Humane Technology, & leading voice in award-winning Netflic documentary The Social Dilemma

  • Big Sean

    Multi-Platinum Artist, Entrepreneur, & Philanthropist

  • Johann Hari

    NYT Best-Selling Author of Stolen Focus

  • Dr. Anna Lembke

    Professor of Psychiatry, Standford University of Medicine & NYT Best-Selling Author

  • Abhay Sachal Singh

    Founder, Break the DIvide

  • Dr. Diana E. Ramos

    California Surgeon General

  • Jahmal Miller

    Chief Administrative Officer, Mercy Medical Group, a service of Dignity Health Medical Foundation

  • Katherine Neas

    Deputy Assistant Secretary of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), U.S. Department of Education

  • Mayra E. Alvarez

    President, The Children’s Partnership & Vice Chair, California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission

  • Dr. Reginald Thompkins

    Assistant Superintendent Instructional Support, Corona-Norco Unified School District

  • Tony Thurmond

    State Superintendent of Public Instruction, California Department of Education

“POWERFUL! Please keep doing the work you are doing!” - Licensed Professional Counselor

“POWERFUL! Please keep doing the work you are doing!” - Licensed Professional Counselor

"Excellent. Engaging. Thought Provoking." - Director of Special Education

"Excellent. Engaging. Thought Provoking." - Director of Special Education

“Appreciated the urge for connection and to be present during the conference.” - School Counselor

“Appreciated the urge for connection and to be present during the conference.” - School Counselor

Previous Wellness Together Conferences

The views, business practices, and opinions expressed by these individuals, organizations, and corporations do not necessarily represent those of Wellness Together, Inc. or the California Department of Education. Presentations, presenters, and partners are all subject to change at any time for any reason. All keynote presenters planned to be in person unless otherwise noted. The Laughing Together Comedy Show welcomes a wide variety of guest presenters from diverse backgrounds to benefit student mental health. This event occurs during but is separate from SMWC8 and is not sponsored by the California Department of Education.